Very tall trees face the challenge of large distances for transport systems. Despite this, plants have independently organized conducting tubes (xylem and phloem) to efficiently move energy stores from leaves and raw materials from roots.
How do the challenges posed by the large distances in very tall trees influence the design of plant transport systems?
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The challenges posed by the large distances in very tall trees influence the design of plant transport systems by requiring an efficient and effective means of water and nutrient transport. Tall trees, with significant height, face the risk of gravitational limitations and the need for sufficient pressure to lift water to great heights. The xylem vessels in these trees are specialized to provide structural support and capillary action, preventing the collapse of the vessels under gravitational forces. This adaptation ensures a continuous flow of water from the roots to the leaves, addressing the challenges of transporting essential resources over extended vertical distances in tall trees.